REVIEW: Loveless a haunting, heartbreaking snapshot of a Russia so cold it chills to the bone

REVIEW: Loveless is a haunting, heavy-hearted drama from the director of the superb Leviathan that drags you into a Russia so cold it will chill you to the bone.

LOVELESS (M)

Rating: four stars (4 out of 5)

Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev (Leviathan)

Starring: Alexei Rozin, Maryana Spivak, Matvey Novikov.

A place where everything is lost and foundered

A haunting, heavy-hearted affair, Loveless is the work of Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev, a brave talent whose previous film, Leviathan, was one of the best releases of 2015.

The follow-up (a winner of the prestigious Jury Prize at Cannes last year) is the story of a marriage that has already fallen apart, and a devastated child about to disappear as a result of the collapse.

Boris (Alexei Rozin) and Zhenya (Maryana Spivak) are oblivious to the damage their toxic parting has had on their 12-year-old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov).

Already involved with other lovers, neither parent wants custody of their emotionally broken boy.

Scene from the film Loveless. A Palace release.

However, when Alyosha vanishes without trace, and the authorities show little interest in mounting a search, Boris and Zhenya are forced to take an interest in their child’s whereabouts.

Will they work together to find their son? Or whack at away each other whenever the chance arises?

The final answer - so very Russian, particularly in light of its current reputation around the globe - will chill you to the bone.

Some patience is definitely required, however, to acclimatise to the cold, almost calcified world the director is hauling us through here.

Hang on as best you can, as the complete journey Loveless has planned is as punishing as it is rewarding.

Loveless screens in advance previews Friday through Sunday, before opening in full release next Wednesday April 25.

Originally published as REVIEW: Loveless a haunting, heartbreaking snapshot of a Russia so cold it chills to the bone